Iraq Shelves PMF Bill Under Dire U.S. Warning: A Turning Point for Sovereignty

On August 27, 2025, the Iraqi government abruptly withdrew a controversial draft law aimed at regulating the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) from the parliamentary agenda, citing overwhelming pressure from the United States to avert “severe sanctions” that could “destroy Iraq,” according to the legal adviser to the Parliament Speaker.

The legislation, which had already passed both first and second readings, sought to integrate the PMF, an umbrella of predominantly Iran-backed Shiite militias, fully into Iraq’s state security framework by formalizing ranks, pensions, retirement benefits, and command structures.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reportedly informed members of the Shia-dominated Coordination Framework coalition that failure to withdraw the bill would trigger “severe American sanctions” and risk national collapse.

A leader from the Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba confirmed that the repeal reflected sustained U.S. pressure.

The U.S. government had been highly critical of the bill, warning that its passage would institutionalize Iranian influence and erosion of Iraqi sovereignty, with concerns raised publicly by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and echoed by British officials.

Within Iraq, responses were deeply divided. Shiite political blocs backing the PMF expressed dismay and called for future reconsideration, while Sunni and Kurdish factions welcomed the withdrawal as a step back from empowering semi-autonomous armed groups.

Analysts warn that shelving the legislation may deepen internal divisions, further entrench foreign influence, and complicate Iraq’s quest for state sovereignty.

The episode underscores Baghdad’s precarious position: balancing between asserting domestic authority over armed factions and avoiding international retaliation.

Moving forward, a genuine integration of the PMF will require navigating sectarian politics, external pressures, and the looming threat of sanctions, a complex, high-stakes maze with no clear exit.